hey people. has any of you coped with grieving and deadlines? i have two deadlines this Friday- to submit work to my supervisor & take seminars. i have just received news that one of my best friends was hositalised last and her brother suddenly died a few days ago. i find that i'm struggling with concentrating...is this normal as it isn't a direct loss as such? am living away from my family and i think that is what is worrying me more than anything. i couldn't possibly postpone my deadlines as am teaching as well. help- any tips on how to deal with this situation.

definitely talk about this with your supervisor. Grieving takes times and as sooner you will make it a priority, the sooner you will be ready to go back to your work. Dont hope that you can only focus on work and postpone grieving...doesnt work...

it is possible to postpone deadline is such cases, your supervisor will know it better how.

(I am talking from my own experience- lost last year a very, very close memmber of family but was back to my phD in the next week after funeral. The result- serious depression and lots of physical problems. do not suggest to do that).

definitely give time for yourself, despite it is not direct loss, for you it is a loss, as one could see from your message. Be nice towards yourself.

thanks guys. i will try and gather my nerves and talk to my supervisor and let you know how it goes. am sorry to hear about your loss verdy. it's great to know that you are fine now. thanks mia.

I don't think it's at all strange that you're affected by a non-direct loss. Even if you're not 'grieving' as such, things like this tend to get stuck in your mind because they're so overwhelming and (rightly so) more important than your work!